In an open letter, printed in The Times newspaper today, six heritage organisations including SAVE have called on Associated British Ports to halt the demolition of historic buildings within Grimsby Docks.

The letter has been signed by SAVE, the Ancient Monuments Society, The Victorian Society, World Monuments Fund Britain, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust, and calls for the buildings to be refurbished and used as an economic driver for the town.

The letter reads:

Sir, We urge Associated British Ports to work with North East Lincolnshire Council and other parties to halt the demolition and neglect of the historic buildings in their ownership at Grimsby docks. The 19th and early-20th century buildings in the historic Kasbah – including the Grade II* listed Grimsby Ice Factory – are a survivor of Grimsby’s heritage and its place as the largest fishing port in the world. The Ice Factory is on the World Monuments Fund watch list, and Historic England has singled out the architectural and historic qualities of the dock buildings.

More than 750 people have signed a petition to designate a conservation area, and businesses in the docks support the re-use of the existing buildings. We believe these buildings could have a viable future as an economic driver for the town, and that refurbishment options have not been sufficiently considered.

Henrietta Billings, SAVE Britain’s Heritage

John Darlington, World Monuments Fund Britain

Christopher Costelloe, The Victorian Society

Matthew Saunders, Ancient Monuments Society

Vicky Hartung, Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust

Matthew Slowcombe, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

The letter follows from SAVE’s campaign to save the Cosalt Buildings on Fish Dock Road, a number of 19th and 20th century buildings at the historic heart of the docks, which currently are threatened with demolition. For more information about the Cosalt Buildings and the campaign please see here